The COP26 UN Climate Summit closed in Glasgow with 197 countries agreeing to accelerate action in addressing climate change within the decade.
Leading up to the summit, Catholic organizations such as the International Cooperation for Development and Solidarity, known as CIDSE, pushed developed nations to declare an end to the use of fossil fuels.
LYDIA MACHAKA
CIDSE
'For CIDSE, one of our key demands was calling the ending of all fossil fuels including gas and oil, but it seemed like before COP26, developed nations, particularly G20 countries did not show leadership by decisively indicating when and how soon they will end fossil fuel use.'
CIDSE comprises a family of Catholic development organizations who were present among the voices in Glasgow. They said they traveled to the Climate Summit to advocate for the developing nations.
LYDIA MACHAKA
CIDSE
'Looking at Laudato si' itself, it is highlighting the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, so our goal at COP26 particularly as an organization, or the broader family of Catholic organizations, was to make sure that the voices of the global south are heard and also propose climate change solutions.'
Many climate activists were left unsatisfied with the result of COP26, notably a last-minute change in the final resolution to alter language calling for nations to “phase down” rather than “phase out” the use of coal.
Now, Catholic groups such as CIDSE are continuing their push for increased climate action before COP27 next year.
LYDIA MACHAKA
CIDSE
'What we would like to try to do now is to try to ensure the EU to make sure it increases its ambition on reducing its emissions, because it has committed to cutting its emissions by 55% by 2030, and would like to make sure this number is as high as possible and also to ensure its succesful implementation.'
Climate activists have another year to push governments to seek more concrete measures to address climate change before the COP27 climate summit, which will be held in Egypt.
JM
